Douglas Falls

Douglas Falls doesn't usually have much water, but it's high and free-falling. It's in what used to be a beautiful, majestic hemlock forest, but the big hemlocks are dead due to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation. Unfortunately, the hemlocks were one of the things that made this place worth visiting, so it's quite disappointing to see them bite the dust. And be careful over the next 10 - 15 years, especially on windy days, as they decay and crash to the ground (if they're not removed). Still, it's an easy 1/2 mile hike to the falls and it's in a virgin forest with some other big, beautiful trees. It's easy to access for families with kids, making it popular.

Directions

Driving

From Asheville, take US 19-23 north/I-26 West for about 11 miles. Take Exit 15 for Jupiter/Barnardsville (NC 197). Turn right toward Barnardsville and follow NC 197 (2-lane highway) about 6 miles to the town of Barnardsville. Turn right onto Dillingham Road just past the old fire station in the center of town. It's about 6 miles to the National Forest - stay on Dillingham Road. You will cross a one-lane bridge and the road will turn into gravel FR 74. Follow this gravel road for 8.7 miles until it ends in the parking lot. The trail starts at far right end of the lot as you drive in.

Trail

Follow the gently-descending Douglas Falls trail for about 1/2 mile to the base of the falls.